QNB Stars League Week 13 — Al Sailiya vs Al Gharafa

The clash between Al Sailiya and Al Gharafa is sure to evoke much interest in Week 13 of the QNB Stars League on Saturday, 24th November. The kick-off is at 16:00 at the Al Ahli Stadium.

Al Sailiya are placed a creditable third with 22 points (seven wins, one draw and four defeats).

The Peregrines have the same number of points as Al Rayyan, but are placed third on better goal difference (+10 as against Al Rayyan’s +2). Al Sailiya have scored 23 goals and conceded 13.

Al Sailiya are on a hat-trick of wins, having beaten Al Kharaitiyat (5-0) and Umm Salal (2-0) in the previous rounds. However, Sami Trabelsi’s men may find it tough against an in-form Al Gharafa side, coached by Frenchman Christian Gourcuff, that is unbeaten in five games.

Al Gharafa, who beat Qatar SC 2-0 in Week 12, are sixth in the standings with 18 points (five victories, three draws and four defeats). The Cheetahs have a goal difference of +9, having scored 24 goals and conceded 15.

Al Sailiya will miss Moroccan striker Rachid Tiberkanine who was given marching orders during their victory against Umm Salal in Week 12 of the QNB Stars League.

Al Gharafa had beaten Al Sailiya 2-1 when they faced off in the first leg this season.

In Round 3 of the QSL Cup played during the break, Al Gharafa defeated Al Kharaitiyat 3-0 and Al Sailiya held Al Sadd to a 3-3 draw.

The very fact that Al Gharafa are keen to storm into the top four will make the clash pulsating.